RESTORE

This chapter from the BFG Handbook (Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching) presents the gospel through a new "Expression" of God’s Love to RESTORE the Truth.

Chapter 13: Misfortune of the Ego

 

Honor and humility can be equally fearful a
Great misfortune is the ego
Why do we say, “Honor and humility can be equally fearful”?
Honor is high, humility is low 
Gaining it makes one fearful 
Losing it makes one fearful 
That is why both honor and humility can be equally fearful

Why do we say, “Great misfortune is the ego”?
The reason I have suffering
Is that I am attached to the ego 
If I am not attached to the ego
What misfortune will I have? 

If you value the world as your own self b
You are fit to be trusted by the world 
If you love the world as your own self 
You are worthy to inherit the world

 

a Matthew 23:27-32; Isaiah 13:11; Luke 14:11; James 4:6; b Deuteronomy 11:11-12; John 15:9-17; Luke 9:25; Numbers 35:33-34.

Chapter 13 of the Christian edition of the Tao Te Ching, titled Misfortune of the Ego, explores the dangers of pride, self-centeredness, and attachment to one’s own identity, or ego. The chapter begins by stating that both honor and humility can bring fear, as the pursuit of honor can lead to anxiety over maintaining status, while humility may lead to fear of being overlooked or undervalued. This speaks to the instability of human desires and ambitions. Jesus addresses this theme in Matthew 23:27-32, where He critiques the Pharisees for their focus on outward appearances and status rather than inner humility and purity. Honor, when sought for its own sake, can enslave a person to worldly approval and judgment, while humility can become a false humility, one that is rooted in fear rather than genuine self-awareness and submission to God.

The chapter further highlights that the greatest misfortune is the ego itself—the attachment to one’s personal identity and desires. In the Christian worldview, this mirrors the teachings of Jesus, who calls His followers to deny themselves and take up their cross (Luke 9:23). The ego, or self-centeredness, leads to suffering because it focuses on personal gain and control rather than on God’s will. If a person is not attached to their ego, the text suggests, they would not experience the misfortunes that stem from pride, jealousy, and insecurity. In contrast, the Apostle Paul speaks of the Christian’s identity being “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3), emphasizing the need to die to the ego and live in union with Christ, where the self is no longer the center but Christ’s love and humility.

The idea that valuing the world as one’s own self leads to trustworthiness is echoed in Jesus’ teachings in John 15:9-17, where He commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them. This kind of selfless love is the antidote to the ego. Loving the world as one’s self, in the Christian sense, is not about self-interest but about serving others as Christ served us. This self-sacrificial love demonstrates that the way to “inherit the world” is not through domination or self-promotion but through humility and self-giving love, as demonstrated in the life of Christ.

In sum, Chapter 13 of the Tao Te Ching highlights the destructive nature of the ego and the fear associated with both honor and humility when they are tied to self-interest. The Christian perspective aligns with this by teaching that true fulfillment and peace come not from the exaltation of the self but from humbling oneself before God and others, embodying Christ-like love and sacrifice.



RENEWAL

The Trinitarian Method (M.A.P.) is the framework for RENEWAL, where God’s Love shapes our MINDSET, Trust in the Son directs our AIM, and Faith in the Holy Spirit guides our PRACTICE.

Mindset:

1. The Fear of Honor and Humility

  • Line from the chapter: “Honor and humility can be equally fearful.”
  • Mindset: Understand that honor and humility, when sought for the wrong reasons, both lead to fear and insecurity. Seek humility without craving recognition, and trust that God sees and rewards your heart, not external status.
  • Explanation: Honor and humility can both cause anxiety if they are pursued for selfish gain or out of fear. True humility is not about the external acknowledgment of our status but about our inward submission to God. Honor is fleeting, but humility endures.
  • Real-World Application: In personal and professional settings, strive to serve others without seeking praise. Be content in your role, whether visible or invisible, knowing that God sees your efforts and honors them in His time.
  • Scripture Reference: James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

2. The Ego and Its Consequences

  • Line from the chapter: “Great misfortune is the ego.”
  • Mindset: Recognize that the ego leads to discontent, division, and destruction. Surrender your ego to God’s will to find peace, avoiding self-centeredness that brings only suffering.
  • Explanation: The ego is often the root of all internal and external strife. When we cling to our own desires, pride, or identity, we distance ourselves from God’s will and invite unnecessary suffering. The practice of self-denial and humility helps us let go of the ego and embrace God’s sovereignty.
  • Real-World Application: In your personal life, examine moments when pride or selfish ambition cause frustration or division. Make a conscious choice to surrender your desires to God, trusting Him for the outcomes.
  • Scripture Reference: Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

3. The World as Your Own Self

  • Line from the chapter: “If you value the world as your own self, you are fit to be trusted by the world.”
  • Mindset: Cultivate a mindset of empathy, seeing the needs of others as your own. When you genuinely value the well-being of others, you build trust and unity in the world around you.
  • Explanation: Jesus taught that loving others as we love ourselves is the foundation of fulfilling God’s commandments. When we truly see the interconnectedness of humanity, our actions reflect this love. By loving others, we build trust and invite harmony.
  • Real-World Application: Practice empathy by putting others’ needs before your own. Whether in family, work, or community settings, look for ways to serve and care for others, knowing that this builds stronger relationships and mutual respect.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 7:12 – “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

4. Loving the World as Your Own Self

  • Line from the chapter: “If you love the world as your own self, you are worthy to inherit the world.”
  • Mindset: Develop a love for others and the world as a whole, not out of selfishness but as a reflection of God’s love for us. This love should be sacrificial and selfless.
  • Explanation: To love the world as our own self is to extend the love of Christ to everyone, valuing others’ needs as equal to our own. This sacrificial love is the cornerstone of Christ’s teachings and marks us as His disciples.
  • Real-World Application: In every interaction, consider how your actions impact the world and others. Whether it’s advocating for justice, being kind, or taking care of the environment, let love drive your decisions and interactions.
  • Scripture Reference: John 13:34-35 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Summary: Living the Christian Principles in Today’s World

  • Honor and Humility: Seek humility without desire for recognition. Honor should be based on serving God and others, not on worldly approval.
  • The Ego: Reject the ego, which leads to suffering. Practice self-denial and seek to follow God’s will.
  • Loving the World: View the world and others as interconnected, valuing the well-being of others as you value your own.
  • Sacrificial Love: Love others as you love yourself, with a focus on sacrificial and selfless love, reflecting the love of Christ.

By living out these principles, you align your life with the teachings of Jesus, building peace, unity, and love in the world.

AIM:

1. Aiming for Humility Over Honor

  • Line from the chapter: “Honor and humility can be equally fearful.”
  • Aim: Seek humility over honor, valuing internal character over external accolades.
  • Explanation: Honor can be fleeting and often leads to fear and anxiety—whether from the fear of losing it or the pressure to maintain it. True humility, on the other hand, is rooted in recognizing God’s sovereignty and serving others without expecting praise or recognition. Aim for a heart that is focused on serving rather than being seen.
  • Real-World Application: In your personal and professional life, practice humility by serving others selflessly and without expectation of recognition. Choose humility in situations where you might otherwise seek acknowledgment, allowing God to see and reward your efforts in His timing.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 23:12 – “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

2. Aiming for Freedom from the Ego

  • Line from the chapter: “Great misfortune is the ego.”
  • Aim: Let go of the ego and the self-centered desire to control, trusting in God’s will.
  • Explanation: The ego often leads to inner turmoil and disconnects us from God’s plan for us. It fosters pride, self-sufficiency, and a desire for control, all of which lead to suffering. Aiming to let go of the ego is essential for living a life of peace and surrender to God’s greater plan.
  • Real-World Application: In moments of pride, competition, or self-centeredness, pause and examine how your ego is influencing your actions. Actively choose humility and surrender to God’s guidance, trusting that He has the ultimate control over your life.
  • Scripture Reference: Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

3. Aiming to Value Others as Yourself

  • Line from the chapter: “If you value the world as your own self, you are fit to be trusted by the world.”
  • Aim: Love others as you love yourself, seeing their needs and desires as equally important as your own.
  • Explanation: This principle echoes the commandment to love others as ourselves. When we truly see others’ needs as our own, we foster trust and unity. Valuing the world as our own self invites compassion and empathy, which builds strong relationships and mutual respect.
  • Real-World Application: Look for opportunities to help those around you, especially those in need. Make a conscious effort to listen to others, understand their struggles, and serve them with genuine care. By valuing others, you help build stronger, more trusting relationships.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 7:12 – “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

4. Aiming for Selfless Love and Service

  • Line from the chapter: “If you love the world as your own self, you are worthy to inherit the world.”
  • Aim: Cultivate selfless love and service to others, with the goal of reflecting God’s love.
  • Explanation: True love is sacrificial and seeks the well-being of others without expecting anything in return. When we love others as ourselves, we model God’s love for us and fulfill His commandments. This selfless love is what enables us to inherit God’s promises, as we reflect His nature to the world.
  • Real-World Application: In every aspect of your life, look for ways to serve others. Whether in family, community, or work, make decisions based on what is best for others, not on your own desires. This sacrificial love builds unity and peace and brings glory to God.
  • Scripture Reference: John 13:34-35 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Summary: Aiming for God’s Will and Reflecting His Love

  • Humility over Honor: Aim to live humbly, focusing on the internal work of character rather than external recognition.
  • Freedom from the Ego: Let go of the ego and trust in God’s sovereignty, focusing on His will for your life.
  • Valuing Others: Treat others as equals, valuing their needs as you value your own, fostering trust and respect.
  • Selfless Love: Serve others selflessly, reflecting God’s love in all your relationships and actions.

By aiming for these principles, you align yourself with God’s will, cultivating a life marked by love, humility, and peace. These practices not only fulfill your purpose but also build stronger connections with others and with God.

Practice:

1. Practicing Humility Over Honor

  • Line from the chapter: “Honor and humility can be equally fearful.”
  • Practice: Focus on internal character rather than external recognition.
  • Explanation: Honor and status can create anxiety and fear, as they are dependent on the judgment of others and the fluctuations of life. True humility, however, is rooted in recognizing God’s authority over your life and being content with His approval. By practicing humility, you place your trust in God rather than the fleeting praise of the world.
  • Real-World Application: In your work and personal life, intentionally choose to act with humility. When you receive praise, deflect it back to God, recognizing that any success comes from His grace. In times of failure, remain humble and seek to learn from the experience rather than clinging to self-worth.
  • Scripture Reference: James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

2. Practicing Freedom from Ego

  • Line from the chapter: “Great misfortune is the ego.”
  • Practice: Let go of selfish desires and surrender your will to God.
  • Explanation: The ego is often the source of suffering—it fosters pride, self-centeredness, and a desire for control. When we allow the ego to guide us, we act out of selfishness and create barriers between ourselves and others. By letting go of the ego, we practice surrendering to God’s plan and acting with love, humility, and service to others.
  • Real-World Application: Reflect on moments when your ego has caused conflict or driven selfish actions. Commit to surrendering these desires to God in prayer, asking for humility and selflessness. In your interactions, choose empathy over pride, and recognize that God’s will is greater than your own ambitions.
  • Scripture Reference: Luke 9:23 – “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

3. Practicing Selfless Love for Others

  • Line from the chapter: “If you value the world as your own self, you are fit to be trusted by the world.”
  • Practice: Love others as you love yourself, putting their needs before your own.
  • Explanation: Selfless love is a reflection of Christ’s love for us. When we love others as ourselves, we are acting in alignment with God’s will, showing His love through our actions. This love builds trust, fosters unity, and fulfills God’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves.
  • Real-World Application: Look for opportunities to serve others without expecting anything in return. In your family, work, and community, practice selflessness by considering others’ needs before your own. Whether it’s offering help to a colleague or showing compassion to a stranger, allow your love to reflect God’s unconditional love.
  • Scripture Reference: 1 John 4:19 – “We love because he first loved us.”

4. Practicing Selfless Service to the World

  • Line from the chapter: “If you love the world as your own self, you are worthy to inherit the world.”
  • Practice: Serve the world selflessly, with a heart for justice and compassion.
  • Explanation: This principle calls us to love the world—not in a selfish way, but by seeing the world through God’s eyes and serving it with humility and compassion. It’s about putting others’ needs first and caring for God’s creation. In this service, we align ourselves with God’s love and create positive change in the world.
  • Real-World Application: Actively engage in helping others, especially those in need. Volunteer your time, use your resources to support just causes, and advocate for the voiceless. As you serve, remember that your actions are not for personal gain but to reflect God’s love and bring His kingdom to earth.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 25:40 – “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”

5. Practicing Living According to God’s Will

  • Line from the chapter: “Can you live according to the Word of God?”
  • Practice: Align your daily decisions and actions with God’s Word.
  • Explanation: To live according to God’s Word means to not just hear His teachings but to embody them in our daily lives. This requires obedience, a constant desire to grow in understanding, and a willingness to surrender to His will in all areas of life.
  • Real-World Application: Begin each day by reading the Bible and seeking God’s guidance through prayer. In moments of decision, ask yourself how your actions can reflect God’s truth and honor Him. Whether at work, at home, or in social situations, prioritize God’s principles of love, justice, and humility.
  • Scripture Reference: James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Summary: Practicing a Life of Love, Humility, and Service

  • Humility Over Honor: Focus on internal transformation and character rather than external recognition.
  • Freedom from Ego: Let go of selfish desires and surrender to God’s plan.
  • Selfless Love: Love others as yourself, prioritizing their needs.
  • Selfless Service: Serve the world with compassion and justice, reflecting God’s love.
  • Living According to God’s Word: Make daily decisions in alignment with Scripture, seeking to obey and live by God’s truth.

By practicing these principles, you fulfill your purpose by embodying the teachings of Christ, living a life of love, humility, and selflessness. These practices not only transform your life but also impact those around you, pointing them to God’s kingdom.



RESPOND

Renewal brings the transformation of our spirit with ardor, empowering us to RESPOND to the call of holiness and make disciples of all nations. This encourages meaningful dialogue to embrace shared truths that transcend cultural and religious boundaries.

1. Humility Over Honor and the Dangers of the Ego

  • Line from the chapter: “Honor and humility can be equally fearful. Great misfortune is the ego.”

  • Parallel Religious Teachings:

    • Christianity: Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
    • Buddhism: The concept of anatta (non-self) teaches the removal of ego and attachment as essential to enlightenment.
    • Islam: Surah Al-Furqan 25:63 – “And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say peace.”
    • Hinduism: In the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 13, Verse 8), it emphasizes that wisdom and humility are superior to pride.

  • How This Unites Us: All major religions agree that humility is virtuous, while the ego, or excessive pride, leads to suffering. This common teaching points to a deeper truth that transcends cultural boundaries: we are called to transcend the self-centeredness of ego and embrace a life of service, love, and humility. This aligns with God’s will across different faiths, showing that true peace and fulfillment come from surrendering our egos and serving others.

  • Real-World Application: In our daily lives, we can practice humility by seeking to serve others rather than asserting our own needs. This means taking the time to listen, help, and support others in ways that may go unnoticed or unrewarded. By reflecting humility in actions, we can foster a more loving, peaceful community, free from the divisions caused by pride and ego.

  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 23:12 – “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

2. Love for the World and Its People

  • Line from the chapter: “If you love the world as your own self, you are worthy to inherit the world.”

  • Parallel Religious Teachings:

    • Christianity: Matthew 22:39 – “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
    • Buddhism: The concept of Metta (loving-kindness) emphasizes love for all beings, regardless of their background or actions.
    • Islam: Hadith – “None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”
    • Hinduism: Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 9, Verse 22) – “To those who are constantly devoted and who remember Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.”

  • How This Unites Us: Loving others as we love ourselves is a universal teaching found in all major religions. This principle fosters unity by promoting empathy, compassion, and equality. Whether through the teachings of Christ, Buddha, Muhammad, or Krishna, the call to love and serve others is foundational to human well-being and peace. This unites us by showing that love for others is not confined to any one tradition but is a universal truth.

  • Real-World Application: We can practice this principle in our interactions by seeking to understand and serve those around us, whether it be through acts of kindness or being present for those in need. The world becomes a better place when we approach others with love and compassion, transcending cultural and religious boundaries.

  • Scripture Reference: John 13:34-35 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

3. Letting Go of the Ego and Attaining Peace

  • Line from the chapter: “The reason I have suffering is that I am attached to the ego. If I am not attached to the ego, what misfortune will I have?”

  • Parallel Religious Teachings:

    • Christianity: Luke 9:23 – “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
    • Buddhism: The Noble Eightfold Path encourages detachment from desires, emphasizing the need to let go of the ego and selfish cravings.
    • Islam: Surah Ash-Shura 42:51 – “And it is not for any human that Allah should speak to him except by inspiration or from behind a veil.”
    • Hinduism: In the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 47), it teaches that acting without attachment is the path to peace.

  • How This Unites Us: The concept of ego and attachment as sources of suffering is shared across all major religions. By learning to detach from the ego and worldly desires, we align ourselves with God’s will, finding peace in the surrender of self-will. This principle connects all religions in the shared understanding that true peace comes from letting go of personal attachment and surrendering to a higher calling.

  • Real-World Application: We can practice this by examining areas of our lives where we are clinging to pride or personal desires. Whether in relationships, work, or personal achievements, we can choose to detach from our ego-driven motives and act with pure intentions, seeking to serve God and others rather than self.

  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 16:25 – “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”

4. The Importance of Selflessness in Serving the World

  • Line from the chapter: “If you value the world as your own self, you are fit to be trusted by the world.”

  • Parallel Religious Teachings:

    • Christianity: Mark 9:35 – “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
    • Buddhism: The Dhammapada teaches that the path to enlightenment is one of service and compassion toward all beings.
    • Islam: Surah Al-Mumtahanah 60:8 – “Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes – from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them.”
    • Hinduism: In the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 3, Verse 19), it teaches the importance of selfless action without attachment to the results.

  • How This Unites Us: The principle of serving others selflessly is universal, found in all religions as the highest calling. It reflects God’s love and compassion and emphasizes the importance of contributing to the well-being of others. This unity of purpose in selfless service bridges religious divides and fosters peace and cooperation in the world.

  • Real-World Application: We can apply this by looking for ways to serve others in our community, workplace, and family without expecting recognition. Whether through volunteer work, supporting a friend in need, or working towards social justice, our actions should reflect our commitment to serving God through the service of others.

  • Scripture Reference: Galatians 5:13 – “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

5. Living According to God’s Word and Will

  • Line from the chapter: “Can you live according to the Word of God?”

  • Parallel Religious Teachings:

    • Christianity: Matthew 7:24 – “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
    • Buddhism: The Dhammapada encourages adherence to the teachings of the Buddha to achieve liberation.
    • Islam: Surah Al-Ahzab 33:21 – “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah [Muhammad] you have a good example to follow.”
    • Hinduism: In the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 18, Verse 66), Krishna instructs Arjuna to surrender to the divine will without fear.

  • How This Unites Us: All religions encourage followers to live in alignment with divine teachings. Whether it’s following the commandments of Christ, the teachings of the Buddha, the guidance of the Qur’an, or the instructions of the Bhagavad Gita, all paths emphasize that true fulfillment comes when we live according to God’s word. This shared value emphasizes that all humans, regardless of faith, are called to live virtuously according to the divine wisdom provided in their sacred texts.

  • Real-World Application: To live according to God’s word means making decisions based on principles of love, justice, and humility. Whether it’s choosing honesty over deceit or forgiveness over resentment, we are called to be guided by the values of our faith and align our actions with God’s will.

  • Scripture Reference: Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

These principles from the Christian version of the Tao Te Ching resonate deeply with the teachings found in all major religions, promoting humility, love, selflessness, and living according to divine principles.

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